The Business Of Football

Pro football has arrived at an egalitarian conclusion to its season. The last four teams remaining in the NFL playoffs show an amazing balance in terms of their team value. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the league's sixth most valuable team (at $606 million), the Tennessee Titans come in at 11 ($551 million), the Philadelphia Eagles are 16th ($518 million) and the Oakland Raiders are 28th ($421 million). This is much different from pro basketball and pro baseball, where the two richest teams in the richest markets--the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Yankees--seem to reach the finals nearly every year.
Check out Forbes' NFL team valuations, including information on owners, stadiums and sponsors. Read feature stories on how the Vikings' Red McCombs is making good on his investment, or which founding families have stuck with their teams since day one. If you think your team needs a fresh face in the owner's box, then say so on our discussion boards.

FEATURES

The Super Bowl Stock IndicatorBy John DoboszA quirky indicator that's been more than 80% accurate since 1967 suggests a Tampa Bay win would be good for stocks.
Super Bowl Stars Are UnderpaidBy Davide DukcevichEven though their sport is booming, pro football players don't get the exposure or cash of other athletes.
NFL's Highest-Paid CoachesBy Ari Weinberg and Davide DukcevichWinning means more pay, but does it equal better results?
Super Super Bowl AdsBy Dan AckmanThe ads are usually better than the game. Here is a list of the ten best.
Super Bowl FortunesBy Kurt BadenhausenThe Raiders could win Sunday's game, but the Buccaneers can already declare victory off the field.
Is Saddam Good for the NFL?By Monte Burke Why bombing Baghdad may spike ratings.
Super Bowl ScienceBy Ira CarnahanSometimes sports bettors are no more rational than stock investors.
Inside the HuddleBy Kurt Badenhausen, Cecily Fluke, Lesley Kump, Michael Ozanian and Mayo Shattuck Which National Football League teams have the money to compete--and which ones do not.
Value PlayerBy Daniel Fisher Red McCombs paid a pittance for the Minnesota Vikings in 1998--and is doing everything he can to make it one of the NFL's most valuable franchises.
Texas-size PlayOff In their first regular season game, the Houston Texans face the Dallas cowboys Sept. 8 in a battle for Texas bragging rights.
Long On FootballBy Ari Weinberg If you're rich enough to buy into the game, a professional football team is a pretty good investment.
2002 Tailgate Party GuideBy Christina ValhouliIt's football season and your team's got an away game. Our guide to the best places to stay and eat in all 32 NFL cities.